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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Gilgamesh and Enkidu do after killing the bull of heaven?

2. What does Urshanabi say will happen if the waters touch a man?

3. Where is Gilgamesh speedily going?

4. What does Gilgamesh do with his hair and clothes?

5. What did Gilgamesh think would bring Enkidu back to life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gilgamesh begins lamenting for Enkidu at the earliest glimmer of morning light. When he walks the mountain paths he is in complete darkness but emerges into the radiant light of a garden. The emergence of a man from darkness into first light can be compared to rebirth and renewal. Consider these ideas and images while discussing Gilgamesh's grief process and Enkidu's burial.

Essay Topic 2

Gilgamesh has been on a great journey since he first met Enkidu. Enkidu is Gilgamesh's equal and the two have great adventures. However, Enkidu also represents the qualities that Gilgamesh lacks. Discuss Gilgamesh's journey to discover his own weaknesses and how he does or does not learn to accept them.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Tablet 5, Column 4, Line 6 which reads, "His tears [gushed forth] in streams." To whom does the line refer? Shamash was speaking in the lines just prior to this line. Gilgamesh is speaking in Line 7. There is no clear indication who is crying or why. Gilgamesh may be crying tears of joy because Humbaba has been defeated. Enkidu may be crying for no apparent reason. Humbaba, the demon, may even be crying because he has been defeated. Discuss the line and who you think could be the party responsible for crying.

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This section contains 342 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample